Just thought I'd bring this SLIGHTLY back on track. I have used Airborne before and had nothing but problems. Initially, they had NO problems whatsoever taking my live animal shipments. However, after my first and (hopefully) only DOA, I decided maybe they're not all that they're cracked up to be. The box was obviously damaged and the gecko inside did not make it through(he appeared to have a broken neck from the pics I saw and from what my customer told me). I complained, but nothing happened of course. Afterwards, I was told by my driver that they would no longer accept live animal shipments and I would have to label them as something else if I wanted to keep shipping htrough them(though he did say HE knew what I shipped and would take care of them as far along as he could). Well, this wasn't exactly acceptable, but unfortunately at the time I didn't realize what options I had and did a couple more shipments through them. But those were lost and in transit well over the 10 am delivery guarantee every time.
Obviously I no longer use them. UPS was surprisingly easy to deal with, though they would never send me anything in writing stating they were making an exception for me, so I could have lost my account at the drop of a dime if someone felt like it. However, after a couple of delayed packages, I am not going that route anymore.
FedEx has told me time and time again that anything smaller than a HORSE would not be shipped through them(yes, I am being serious, no animals smaller than a HORSE is what I was told). However, I was able to ship some geckos from one of their hubs without a problem(initially). The cost was $31 and I paid upfront with my debit card. It was approved, signed, handed them my box, no problems. However, about a week later, I received a $65 BILL from them with no explanations. They were paid for their services upfront based on the weight and size of my package(the box of GECKOS people
) and decided to double bill me later on. It still has not been resolved, and those animals were sent out back in October or November. Any company that tries to double dip me like that automatically goes into the "do not do business with" list.
That is why I will not ship anything until I get my approved shipper status with Delta. I have always been very happy with their service and handling on the packages I've received and I don't have to covertly ship my animals AND I have guarantees on them AND same day service. I know they have problems sometimes as well, but the instances seem to be FAR fewer than the other options.
And Adam, as far as your situation goes, unless you have something documenting you have permission to ship herps sent to you by FedEx, your hands are tied. BUT, I have never known ANY of the shipping companies to send e-mails, EVER. Even though UPS had my e-mail address on file, they NEVER used it. Airborne has NEVER contacted me that way, neither has FedEx. It has always been through a letter or phone call.
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